London PhD Student Accused of Multiple Rapes and Voyeurism

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A 27-year-old PhD student, Zhenhao Zou, has been accused in court of raping ten women after allegedly plying them with alcohol or drugs, and recording his attacks for personal gratification. Zou, a Chinese national studying at University College London, faces a total of 35 charges, including 11 counts of rape, three counts of voyeurism, and possession of controlled substances.

Prosecutor Catherine Farrelly described Zou as a "predator, voyeur, and rapist," stating that he would stupefy his victims to facilitate the assaults. The prosecution plans to present videos allegedly filmed by Zou during the assaults, which they claim are his "souvenirs" of the crimes.

The case began when police were contacted in May 2023 by a woman who reported being drugged and raped by Zou. Subsequent investigations revealed additional victims and evidence, including drugs found at Zou's residence. The trial, held at Inner London Crown Court, emphasizes the importance of consent and the capacity to consent as key issues.

The trial is ongoing, with the jury expected to hear testimonies from identified victims and view recovered video evidence.

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